nsane
asylum going on ten years; his only girl ran away and got married to
a cheap fellow, and his son is in state prison. The boy ran away from
home, got into bad company, and shot a policeman who was trying to
arrest him. If you are not crazy or dead before he gets done with you,
then you'll come out luckier than I think you will."

With this consoling remark the lawyer plodded up to the camp, to wait
until it should be time to start down the lake.

As Parker toiled through the woods that day he reflected seriously on
his situation. He fully appreciated the fact that Ward's malice intended
some ugly retaliation. The danger viewed here in the woods and away from
the usual protections of society seemed imminent and to be dreaded.

But the young man realized how skeptically Whittaker and Jerrard would
view any such apprehensions as he might convey to them, reading his
letter in the comfortable and matter-of-fact serenity of the city. He
knew how impatient it made President Whittaker to be troubled with any
subordinate's worry over details. His rule was to select the right
man, say, "Let it be done," and then, after the manner of the modern
financial wizard inspect the finished result and bestow blame or praise.

Parker regretfully concluded that he must keep his own counsel until
some act more overt and ominous forced him to share his responsibility.

That evening, as he sat in his room at the tavern, busy with his first
figures of the survey, some one knocked and entered at his call, "Come
in!"

CHAPTER SIX--IN WHICH "THE CAT-HERMIT OF MOXIE" CASTS HIS SHADOW LONG
BEFORE HIM

It was the postmaster who appeared at Parker's invitation to enter. That
official stroked down his beard, tipped his chair back, surveyed the
young man with the solemnity of the midnight raven and observed:

"I hear you and Colonel Gid had it hot and tight up to Poquette to-day."

"There was an argument," returned Parker, quietly.

"I don't want to be considered as meddlin' with your affairs, Mr.
Parker, but I've known Gid Ward for a good many years, and I want to
advise you to look sharp that he doesn't do you some pesky mean kind of
harm."

"I have been warned already, Mr. Dodge."

"Yes, but you don't seem to take it to heart enough. Or if you do, you
don't show it. That was the reason I was afraid you didn't realize what
a man you have to deal with."

"He seems to me like a blustering coward. Your really brave and
determine